If you were to put together items to cover in a boater safety/courtesy course, what items would you feel are important to include?

I thought of these items off the top of my head but I'm sure I'm missed a few:

Backing down launch ramp Launching the boat Re-loading your boat onto the trailer General functions on the boat (covering all switches and boat functions) General maintenance of the boat and trailer (including each use, and general upkeep) Proper weighting and speeds of the boat for wakeboarding, surfing, etc.

Not pulling up in front of other riders Not doing power turns (and why) Keeping a respectable distance from other boats, docks, riders, etc Towing a wakeboarder, surfer, other water sports Driving double-ups State / Coastguard rules and regulations

ya i wish some people would think of these things here, i was riding this summer on the river and i was getting ready to be pulled up when a cabin cruiser seriously flew past 5 ft away from me doing about 25.

Why not go with the Coast Guard boater safety course, includes more nagivation info than needed on inland lakes but has all of the safety material. You can take a practice test at http://www.boat-ed.com/tn/index.htm

How to drive a line in tandem with other boats so everyone gets good water (i.e., straight lines, stay in line, turn around at end, sharing good water, no powerturns, etc.) and, if there are other areas to ski/ride, don't invade someone else's line.